Bentley residents are now being asked to help prevent the potential spread of the destructive pest, Queensland fruit fly (Qfly).
A Quarantine Area established in response to Qfly detections in Como has been expanded to include some areas of Bentley and the Curtin University campus.
These locations are in addition to the recently established area encompassing all or parts of Como, Karawara, South Perth and Kensington.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity manager Rosalie McCauley said residents must not move any home-grown fruit or vegetables out of the Quarantine Area unless it has been cooked or preserved, or disposed of according to strict guidelines.
“Our eradication program has involved visits to more than 850 properties to advise residents and check surveillance traps, and a baiting program on properties close to the detection points has commenced, which will be carried out weekly,” Dr McCauley said.
“Baiting will require access to private properties. If residents are not home, a contact card will be left to arrange a return visit.”
Dr McCauley said the department was working closely with the local community to ensure awareness of the rules.
“Our goal is to remove all pathways through which Qfly can spread to other areas,” she said.
“This includes a focus on community gardens and public property to ensure that any fruit and vegetables picked are not removed from the Quarantine Area.
“We are also targeting online trading of fruit and fruit trees. The department is appealing to traders within the Quarantine Area to remove these advertisements until further notice.”
Dr McCauley said public support for this eradication program was vital, with measures due to remain in place until at least November 2018.
“We recognise the inconvenience of movement restrictions and accommodating repeated property visits, but it is vital we work together to eradicate this pest, to support our valuable horticultural production here in WA,” she said.
A map of the Quarantine Area, full list of host fruit and vegetables and more advice to residents is available at the department website.
Residents who have seen Qfly or have infested fruit can call the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080.
Alternatively they can send photos via the department’s MyPestGuide Reporter app (Google Play Store and Apple iTunes Store), or email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937